Teacher Avoids Prison Time for Sexual Relationship with Student

Teacher Avoids Prison Time for Sexual Relationship with Student

A teacher convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a student will serve her sentence on probation instead of facing prison time. In November 2024, 26-year-old Shawnee Nicole Despain pleaded guilty to charges of having an improper relationship with a student after it came to light that she had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old pupil at Rockdale High School in Texas, where she taught agricultural science.

Despain resigned from her teaching position in September 2023 following an investigation into the inappropriate conduct. It was also revealed that she was pregnant, with DNA tests indicating her husband was not the father. 

Initially, Despain concealed the child's paternity from her husband until the situation escalated.

Evidence of grooming was discovered on her phone, including text messages expressing love and explicit footage of the two on Despain's Snapchat account. She surrendered to authorities on November 7, 2023, facing charges of child pornography and engaging in an improper relationship.